The crypto industry in 2021 experienced unprecedented success, with even those unfamiliar with technology, like my own parents, asking about Bitcoin. However, as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. In 2022, when Justin Bieber removed his Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) from his Instagram profile pic, it sparked concerns among crypto enthusiasts of an impending bear market and widespread fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD).
In the following year, 2023, Ethereum witnessed some significant fluctuations in value but failed to reach the soaring heights it had in the past, despite the introduction of Ethereum 2.0. This new version of Ethereum aimed to reduce the platform’s energy consumption and increase its scalability to encourage broader adoption. In April, there was a surge in Ethereum purchases, leading to its highest point of the year. However, this increase in activity was short-lived, suggesting that even with technological improvements, user response remained lackluster. This has led some to question whether innovation in the Web3 space may start to stagnate, as interest in cryptocurrencies wanes compared to the hype of previous years.
Considering the current state of the Web3 industry, it is worth exploring whether established corporations would be willing to enter such a volatile and disruptive market. One example of a major company venturing into Web3 is Trip.com, one of the world’s largest online travel agencies. Despite facing setbacks due to COVID-19 in previous years, Trip.com surpassed expectations in 2023, generating over $4 billion in revenue. So why would a company experiencing such impressive growth decide to venture into Web3?
Trip.com recognizes that Web3 is not merely a buzzword but a genuine movement that aims to enhance the user experience and revolutionize how people interact with products. To explore this potential, Trip.com has introduced a concept known as the Trekkis. These mythical creatures from the land of Trekia, resembling adorable dolphins, represent Web3’s ability to provide users with greater ownership and investment opportunities beyond traditional profiles and stocks. The limited-edition Trekkis offer real-time benefits, such as free passes to offline events, airdrops, priority access to future NFT projects, voting rights in community decisions, Trip.com premium membership perks, and significant discounts on travel bookings using Trip coins.
The acquisition of a Trekkis NFT is not a simple purchase or subscription but requires community engagement. Through their Discord community and Twitter, users can participate in free online events and engage with fellow members to secure a white-listed spot for minting a Trekkis. The community is inclusive and welcoming, fostering connections and interactions among its members.
From a strategic perspective, Trip.com’s integration into the Web3 space is a smart move. By gamifying their product and providing users with real value and utility through NFTs, they have successfully engaged their audience and introduced them to the world of Web3. This forward-thinking approach demonstrates the potential that Web3 holds for future businesses and how it can be incorporated into product roadmaps to enhance user experiences and generate new opportunities.
While I haven’t obtained my Trekki whitelist yet, I remain engaged and active within the community. For those interested in joining the Trekki community, you can find the Discord and Twitter links below. Make sure to drop by and say hello!
Discord: https://discord.gg/trekki
Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/TrekkiNFT
